Luxury of Laos

Nepal

Located between the great Himalayas and the Indian plains, a journey into Nepal seems almost cathartic. Buddhist monasteries and sacred stupas, narrow and medieval-looking alleys between crooked stone and wood buildings. Colourful markets, rich in spices and fabrics. A sweet smell of incense sticks in

every street and the omnipresent melody of “Om Padme Om” on the edge of the highest mountains in the world. All of this has the effect of a time travel of several

hundred years back in time and promises an adventure whose cultural impressions and fabulous natural panoramas cannot be beaten. Paired with our bespoke selection of accommodation and many unique encounters – our Mountain Kingdom Tour simply belongs onto the bucket list of every demanding globetrotter.

HIGHLIGHTS

✤ Visit the former Kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley and meet the past and present Kumari of Patan. ✤ Take a flight arround Mount Everest and chat with a mountaineer who has climbed the peak. ✤ Spot Rhinos and other animals while going on safrais at Chitwan Nationalpark.

DAY 1 KATHMANDU – DHULIKHEL Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon your arrival drive straight to Dhulikhel and check-in to Dwarika’s Resort for three nights. Dhulikhel is situated at an altitude of 1600 m. above from sea level and 32 Km. from Kathmandu City. It is famous for its vantage location in viewing the Himalayan ranges. Enjoy some time at the resort’s famous infinity pool, before indulging in a wonderful Nepalese welcome dinner.

DAY 2 DHULIKHEL – THESE SHOES ARE MADE FOR WALKING After an early breakfast, your guide will take you to the beautiful hilltop Namo Buddha Monastery. From here you will start a soft trekking tour that will leave you breathless mainly because of the stunning surrounding. Walk through picturesque mountain and jungle terrain passing small hamlets and villages dotted with prayer flags until you reach the village of Balthali. Make your way to the Balthali Village Resort and enjoy lunch before continuing the walk to Khopasi. Here a jeep will pick you up to transfer you back to Dhulikhel. After a day of exercise, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at your hotel.

DAY 3 OLD KINGDOMS OF THE KATHMANDU VALLEY After breakfast drive to Bhaktapur, one of the most charming and best preserved of the Kathmandu valley’s three cities. The intricately carved temples, alleyways and timeless atmosphere of this place are simply intriguing. Thereafter visit Patan, the city of fine arts. Here we will visit Durbar square, the Patan durbar (palace) and the most significant temples. Apart from the sightseeing you will also get the chance to meet the Living Goddess “Kumari Devi” and receive a traditional blessing. The experience will be put into perspective during a meeting with an Ex-Kumari of Patan that can tell you more about her life in this respected, yet though position.

DAY 4 ON TOP OF THE WORLD – KATHMANDU & THE EVEREST After breakfast check-out of your hotel and start the day with a shared scenic Helicopter ride to Kala Patthar – one of the highest accessible points in the Himalayas, popular for its unspoilt views of Mount Everest from the basecamp to the summit. The Helicopter will fly from Kathmandu to Pheriche with a stop in Lukla for refuelling. From there you will fly up to Kala Patthar. Afterwards descend 3000 feet and enjoy a beautiful breakfast at a mountain lodge with further amazing views of Mt. Everest. Here, you will get the chance to meet a mountaineer /Sherpa who has conquered Everest and is happy to answer all your questions. Back in Kathmandu visit the famous Durbar Square, several monuments and temples with a unique architecture await your discovery here. Overnight at The Dwarika’s Resort Kathmandu. DAY 5 KATHMANDU – CHITWAN After breakfast transfer to the airport to board your flight to Chitwan. Chitwan National Park was the first national park in Nepal. Later this evening, enjoy a sunset canoe safari, an excellent way to explore the unique eco system around the rivers and floodplains. Mugger crocodiles and Gharials basking on banks, storks, ducks, kingfishers along with otters, turtles and, if lucky, even a fishing cat are some of the creatures to watch out for. The comfortable wooden oar boats glide almost silently, manoeuvred by expert roars men while naturalists explain the world around the water. Overnight in Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari lodge for two nights.

DAY 6 MEET THE RHINOS AT CHITWAN This morning enjoy a Jeep safari through the national park, conducted by expert naturalists in specially designed 4X4 vehicles. A morning safari at Chitwan starts shortly after sunrise and will include a picnic style breakfast in the national park. The one horned Rhinoceros is the star of Chitwan is usually to be found in the open woods and grasslands. Along with mammals, the forest has 56 species of reptiles and amphibians, the most spotted ones being the monitor lizards and pythons. The Gharial crocodiles are highly endangered, and the park authorities run a breeding centre for these unusual looking creatures that can be visited while out on a safari drive. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a private elephant safari in the national park and late in the evening there will be a Tharu Cultural dance performance or a presentation on flora and fauna (every alternate day) in your camp.

DAY 7 CHITWAN – KATHMANDU This morning fly back to Kathmandu and continue your sightseeing to Swayambhunath stupa. This Buddhist stupa is said to be 2000 years old and its location is one of the best places from which to view the Kathmandu valley. Next visit Pashupatinath temple which is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has a gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Lastly, visit Boudhanath stupa, one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu and the centre of Tibetan Buddhism. In the evening enjoy an amazing 22 Course Nepali Farewell Dinner at the famous Krishnarpan Restaurant of the Dwarika’s Resort Kathmandu.

DAY 8 KATHMANDU DEPARTURE Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward journey. ✤ Enjoy one of the most exclusive experiences on this panet! Take a heli flight to Kathar Pilar – one of the highest accessible points in the Himalaya to have a champagne breakfast with unspoilt views of Mount Everest from its basecamp to the summit. ✤ Challenge yourself with a multi-day trek through the Himalayas. Depending on your own preference and level of fitness IJ is happy to customize the perfect trekking tour for you with private a chef etc. ✤ Add some relaxation at the Pokhara lake and enjoy a rustic, yet charming stay at the famous Tiger Mountain Lodge

Bhutan

Simple living and high thinking is the mantra for the Bhutanese people. A nation that assigns statistical peg to its happiness (Gross National Happiness) and is delightfully cut off from Western influences, Bhutan is an otherworldly experience. It’s hilltop monasteries, vibrant local life, festivals and unspoilt landscapes makes it one of the most coveted

destinations for the offbeat traveller.

It is a fascinating place, which still holds its King in reverence. All in all, Bhutan is all about heart-warming charismatic simplicity while the protection of the local culture and nature has the highest priority. Tourism numbers are limited, and exclusivity is the key to success, which make it the perfect destination for Insider Journey’s Bespoke Portfolio.

HIGHLIGHTS

✤ Learn more about Bhutan‘s „gross national happiness“ from a local professor ✤ Get an interactive introduction into the local culture during a lesson in traditonal Bhutanese painting, a fortune telling session at the astrology school and a an archery- competition. ✤ Explore Bhutan‘s most iconoc Dzongs and join a Tshewang ceremony

DAY 1 PARO – THIMPHU Welcome to the Land of Happiness! The flight into Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. It offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you, as you disembark from the aircraft, will be cool, clean, fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by your tour guide for the drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan stopping on route at Chuzom. Check-in to the hotel and take a rest. In the evening, we will organise a talk by a local expert on Gross National happiness along with a Bhutanese welcome dinner. Overnight at Taj Tashi Thimphu for two nights.

THIMPHU -THE CAPITAL OF HAPPINESS After breakfast, begin exploring Thimphu valley. We start your tour at the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. Afterwards visit the Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) and try your hands at some easy painting. Later visit the Textile Museum, which provides insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinct art forms. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. Finally get a glimpse of your destiny, during a future reading by monks at the Astrology School Pangri Zampa. Pay your respects and offer prayers to the Buddha at Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) the largest statue in the country. Then visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circulated by people murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. In the evening enjoy an Archery game – the national sport of Bhutan and amongst the most colourful and picturesque events!

DAY 3 THIMPHU – PUNAKHA Early this morning take part in the Tshewang Ceremony – held by a team of Monks for peace, prosperity and good health, you are required to light a butter lamp at the monastery alter. Return to the hotel for breakfast before beginning the drive to Punakha. On arrival in Punakha, transfer to the hotel. Later enjoy exploring Punakha with a visit to Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. Visit a nearby traditional Farmhouse which offers a great insight into the lifestyle of the local people. Overnight at Uma Punakha. DAY 4 PUNAKHA – PARO After breakfast drive to Paro. On arrival in Paro, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The Ta Dzong visit is followed by a short walk to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’, which has a long and fascinating history. In the evening take a stroll around Paro’s Main Street and visit shops and the local market. Overnight at Uma Paro for two nights.

DAY 5 PARO After an early breakfast, embark upon a fascinating excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest. Taktsang is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Later enjoy a Traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath. Many Bhutanese believe that the bath helps in curing joint pains, relaxing and other medical problems.

In the evening enjoy a colourful Traditional masked dance & cultural show. The music of Bhutan is an integral part of its culture and plays a leading role in transmitting social values. Traditional Bhutanese music includes a spectrum of subgenres, ranging from folk to religious songs. Dances are performed wearing ornate costumes and masks; each aspect dance has a symbolic meaning – and you are welcome to join the troupe!

DAY 6 PARO DEPARTURE After breakfast transfer to the Airport for your flight back home. ✤ Vist Bhutan during a festival and join the colorful celebrations and ritual fire and mask dances. ✤ Discover the natural beauty of the Himalayas with further exclusive hikes, cycle tours or rafting adventues. ✤ Enhance your stay with an upgraded hotel selection and stay at Six Senses Resorts throughout the trip.